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Text description provided by the architects. New York, NY – Gluckman Mayner Architects is pleased to announce the completion of Dineen Hall, Syracuse University’s new College of Law building. The new five-story, brick and glass structure is the first academic hall to be completed for the University’s new West Campus expansion, giving the College of Law a highly visible campus presence. Dineen Hall provides expanded facilities for the program’s more than 700 students and replaces the College’s previous home, a complex of four buildings that had been adapted for the College over time.

With 200,000-square-feet of space, Dineen Hall provides all of the components of a self-contained college; including a new 33,500-square-foot Law Library and reading room, 325 seat ceremonial courtroom, lecture rooms, work rooms, offices, café, roof terrace and lounge spaces. The main level is defined by a large, light-filled celebratory space that is both the physical and symbolic center of the building.The celebratory space can accommodate large events and is flanked by the library and ceremonial courtroom.The main level is mostly transparent with diagonal windows that provide a view into and through the ceremonial courtroom.

“A dynamic legal education requires a learning environment that enhances connection, community engagement and opportunity,” says Dean Hannah Arterian. “Dineen Hall reflects the perfect synergy of time, space, and energy that brings Syracuse University College of Law into a new century, with a new outlook, the latest technology, expanded faculty, and a promise to further extend our interactive, personal approach to the teaching of law.”

Designed to achieve LEED® Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council, Dineen Hall reinforces Syracuse University’s commitment to the highest levels of sustainability. The masonry façade, punctuated with insulated windows, and curtain wall limit solar heat gain, while third and fourth floor green roofs help to regulate building temperature and absorb storm-water runoff. In addition to efficient LED lighting throughout the building, Dineen Hall maximizes the use of natural light.Two large light wells bring daylight deep into the building core through all five levels, bathing the ground level celebratory space in natural light.

To promote active design, the architecture emphasizes stairs as the main point of vertical circulation for the physically able. At the lower, west entrance, a day-lit grand stair connects visitors to the main level and provides views into the courtroom.The visitor transits the ceremonial courtroom to a glazed atrium and four-story stair, which provide access to the upper levels.

“We are very proud to create a new architectural identity for the Syracuse University College of Law,” states Richard Gluckman, SU alumnus and Principal of Gluckman Mayner Architects. “The new building embodies the strength and ambition of the College of Law program and better serves its students, faculty and staff through a series of well-proportioned and well-lit spaces.”

The completion of Dineen Hall marks Gluckman Mayner’s second project for Syracuse University. In 2006, Gluckman Mayner Architects completed The Warehouse; a fast-track renovation of a 140,000-square-foot, 1920s former warehouse building that currently houses the School of Visual and Performing Arts.